European energy giant Shell has solidified its strategic commitment to offshore oil exploration with the signing of a major contract with Stena Drilling, a leading firm headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland. This agreement will see the deployment of the drillship Stena DrillMax for an ambitious exploration campaign in Suriname’s waters, aiming to unlock the hydrocarbon potential of this under-explored region.
The contract follows Shell’s announcement late last year of its plans to drill the Araku Deep-1 prospect within Block 65, situated in the Demerara Plateau area. This region, characterized by geological features favorable for oil and gas reserves, represents an exciting frontier in Suriname’s growing energy sector. The Araku Deep-1 prospect is expected to provide vital insights into the region’s resource potential, paving the way for further development.
Stena Drilling confirmed the details of the collaboration in a succinct statement, highlighting the deployment of the Stena DrillMax in the second half of 2025. The drillship will be tasked with executing a program that includes drilling two firm wells alongside the option for two additional wells, depending on preliminary results. While the financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the move underscores Shell’s determination to expand its exploration activities in Suriname and other emerging oil and gas markets.
This partnership signals a vote of confidence in Suriname’s offshore prospects, which have attracted increasing interest from global energy players. Shell joins the ranks of other major operators, such as TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, in positioning itself as a key stakeholder in the country’s energy future. The success of exploration activities in Block 65 could further bolster Suriname’s reputation as an emerging hub for offshore oil production.
The Stena DrillMax, a state-of-the-art drillship equipped with advanced technologies, is well-suited to handle the challenges of deepwater exploration. Its deployment in Suriname represents a critical step forward for both Shell and the broader industry, as companies continue to seek untapped opportunities in under-explored regions.
This campaign is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Suriname’s energy sector while contributing to Shell’s global portfolio of exploration projects. As drilling operations gear up for 2025, stakeholders across the industry are keenly watching the developments that will unfold in this promising area of South America.
SOURCE: Oilspot Suriname